5 Signs It's Time to Move Your Loved One Into Assisted Living

While assisted living homes can be comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable places to live, many adults are not sure they are ready to make that transition. For these individuals and the people who care about them, determining when it is time to move into an assisted living home is a question that weighs heavily on their minds. Consider the following as you make this decision:

1. Is safety an issue?

If your loved one is putting themselves in danger in the normal course of their lives, it is probably a sign that they need to move somewhere safer. Potential hazards include falling down stairs, leaving the stove on, falling in the bathroom, and similar issues.

2. Is he or she able to perform the activities necessary for daily life?

As we age, some of the things that we took for granted when we were younger become much more difficult. Getting groceries, showering, getting dressed, and even using the toilet can become too challenging. If it is difficult to attend to these matters, then it is time to move to an assisted living home where you can get help to make your life easier.

3. Are family helpers or in-home care giving viable options?

In some cases, the problems that an elderly person is having can be fixed with some help from family members and in-home help. However, in many cases, the problems go beyond this scope, and it is time to move out of one's home and into an assisted living residence. For example, while family members are happy to help with groceries or cooking, it can be more difficult emotionally and physically to help with issues such as incontinence or getting up and down the stairs.

4. Is he or she handling medication properly?

If your loved one is not taking their medication as it is prescribed, is forgetting to refill prescriptions, or has expired medication around the house, it is time to get them help and consider moving into an assisted living home where their medication will be controlled an dispensed safely. This is of particular concern to those in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, when medication is helpful but often forgotten or taken too often.

5. Are there physical signs of poor health?

If you have not noticed any of the specific issues listed above, you may have noticed other signs of poor health that can indicate that it is time to move. For example, if you see signs of dramatic weight loss or significant mood swings, these can be signs of larger health problems that will be addressed in an assisted living home.

The most important thing you can do for someone who is considering this type of move is to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate the time has come to move. Waiting too long can result in injuries or serious complications that would have been avoided had the individual been residing where the care was more attentive.